METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RAPIDLY INDUCING AND THEN MAINTAINING HYPOTHERMIA

摘要

A cooling system includes a console and a head-cooling device. An operator applies the head-cooling device to the head of a patient. The console provid es a cooling fluid to a fluid circulation space located between the cooling device and the patient's head under a positive gage pressure. Direct contact between the cooling fluid and the patient's head provides a relatively rapid induction of systemic hypothermia in the patient, thereby minimizing ischemi c injury in the patient. The console also removes air from a channel disposed about an inner rim of the cooling device, using a negative gage pressure. Removal of the air from the channel seals the rim of the cooling device to t he head of the patient, including portions of the channel in contact with hair of the patient's head, and minimizes leaking of the cooling fluid beyond the ri m of the cooling device.